Atlanta Hawks: Drew makes it clear that Teague needs to play with energy (updated)
Vivlamore reporting.
Larry Drew didn’t like the way Jeff Teague was playing. So the Hawks coach let his point guard know about it.
During halftime of last week’s lopsided loss at the 76ers, Drew pulled Teague aside to hammer home the message that he needed more energy from the position. The following night, Teague set the tone early in a lopsided win over the Bulls. Next, Teague scored nine points in double overtime en route to a Hawks victory Wednesday over the Pistons that came after a blown 22-point fourth-quarter lead.
“When he’s not bringing the energy, it’s my job to let him know,” Drew said. “I told him he was not bringing energy. For whatever reason, it was not there and he needed to bring it. He didn’t have a good night that night but he came back the following night against Chicago and I thought he played much, much better.
“It all starts with him. … That point guard position is a very high energized position. I’ve made him aware of it and I’ll continue to make him aware of it. I need energy from that spot. When he brings it, he makes us an effective ball club.”
The Hawks (17-9) will need similar energy from Teague in Friday’s game at the Cavaliers (7-23). It was the Cavaliers who erased a nine-point fourth-quarter lead in a 113-111 victory over the Hawks on Nov. 30 at Philips Arena. The winning points came on Alonzo Gee’s put-back with four-tenths of a second remaining.
In snapping the Hawks’ six-game win streak, the Cavaliers played without point guard Kylie Irving, out with a broken finger. He’s back now. Irving figures to give the Hawks more fits with his ability to dribble penetrate, an issue for the Hawks in the first meeting even without the start guard.
“Easier said than done,” Teague said of the task of slowing Irving. “He’s really talented. He can make shots. He can do a lot with the basketball. Try to go out there, keep a lot of bodies in his face, make him see a wall of defenders in transition and try to go at him at the offensive end.”
Teague had five points and three assists in the loss to the 76ers. He came back with 11 points and eight assists against the Bulls and a double-double of 17 points and 11 assists against the Pistons.
“I’ve tried to make a conscious effort to come out with a lot of energy and push the basketball and playing a more up-tempo style,” Teague said of the past two games. “I think that gets everybody going.”
The Hawks insist they don’t view Friday’s game with a revenge factor. Although the Cavaliers snapped a win streak, the Hawks escaped with a couple of victories in the run. They included a last-second victory over the Wizards and a three-point win over the Bobcats.
“It’s just about getting a win,” center Al Horford said. “Obviously, we dodged some bullets here at home from some other teams. We kind of felt we were living on the edge a little bit and one was going to catch up with us. Cleveland got us that night. It’s about us going up there and getting a win.”
Practice update: Guard Devin Harris will miss his fifth straight game with a sore left foot as he did not travel with the Hawks to Cleveland. Harris was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.
Josh Smith remains eighth among Eastern Conference frontcourt players in NBA All-Star fan balloting released by the league Thursday. Smith has 111,260 votes. He is behind Joakim Noah (129,331) and ahead of Anderson Varejao (99,955).
LATEST NEWS
* Hawks 126, Pistons 119 (2OT)
* Williams remains in starting lineup
* Hawks have lost two of past three
* Williams ready for return to Philadelphia
* Morrow out, Stevenson questionable vs. Wizards
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236 comments Add your comment
keith
December 27th, 2012
8:13 pm
“THESE CLOWNS” who are faithfully supporting Al and Jeff are probably in that 47% group that Mitt Romney spoke of in his Banquet Speech!!!!!!
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
8:15 pm
Mitchell I have to give you a lot of credit,you certainly see things clearly,you are probably one of the more intelligent bloggers
keith
December 27th, 2012
8:20 pm
“Yall????”
If you begin a sentence with “Yall” you might be a___________________??? Probably in that 47% Mitt Romney spoke of!!!
keith
December 27th, 2012
8:22 pm
Hope Al and Jeff are watching the Thunder play “Grown man Basketball” tonight….Not that “Chump” ball that they play night-in and night-out!!!
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
8:38 pm
Slimmer the jr
” 1995-96: Greatest Ever? Bulls ”
My youngest son;
[who is now a Head Coach with his own team]
and myself argue that point almost daily.
I`m also a fan of the 88-90 Pistons,
and the 60`s Celtics !
Melvin
December 27th, 2012
8:40 pm
DWade is by far the dirtiest player in the NBA. Just look at some of the incidents that he has had…
http://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/dwyane-wade-kicks-ramon-sessions-groin-video/167544
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 27th, 2012
8:42 pm
Is LD’s only job to call out Jeff Teague?
Why not call out Josh for his incompetence at the free throw line? Same with Al
ATMAN
December 27th, 2012
8:44 pm
Al does seem less agressive after his pec injury, his shot is off, too. Josh, terrible shooter, hustles 10% of the time, most talented. Teague is just passive, plays good with a chip on his shoulder, maybe he’ll get that eye of the tiger. I liked Grandad’s lineup, we got to get ZaZa and Ivan in there banging, boxing out, defending/hustling. We are just soft in the paint, it parts like the Red Sea. We got cap room to add a big name next yr or maybe DF makes a trade beforehand plus a big name next yr. Still 17-9 and no JJ contract, I’m cautiously optimistic.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 27th, 2012
8:45 pm
Obviously a dirty play by Wade.
Notice how none of the courtside fans even reacted
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
9:01 pm
Rusty:
-bullet points- ……. *’`from my 7:41 pm post`’*
*I like our team
*Good but not Great
*missing an ingredient – I did not directly say that
*Obviously I do not see eye to eye with LD
*LD is doing a credible job
*LD (opinion) will not win a Championship – inferred
*Teaguer is a `tweener, so is Lou
-note- [1.5 + 1.5 = 3] also [1 + 2= 3]
-or- two [1.5`s] are the same as a[1] and a [2].
*then there`s Korver [size]
*I would start Zaza
*I would play Ivan alot
*I would play JJenkins some, every game.
*I would utilize Morrow, same for DSteve
*I would define roles
*There is not an impact player available in a trade
*In FreeAgency I think DFerry is and will GoHard after CP3
*CP3 will transform the Hawks
*CP3 was / is the missin` ingredient
*DFerry will not trust LD with the keys to a Championship Team
*I like our Team
*I`m gonna like `em even better
_____________________________________________________
I hope that was easy readin`
JOE
December 27th, 2012
9:02 pm
Yes i belive the rook jenkins would be a better three shooter than (KYLE)KOVER.I COACHED CITY BALL BETTER THAN (LD).WITH JOSH YOU LIVE OR DIE WITH HIM,JUST LIKE A BOX OF YOU KNOW FORREST GUMP.JOSH STOP LETTING TEAMS MAKE YOU PLAY TO YOUR WEAKNESS.JEFF PUT LD OUT OF YOUR HEAD,AND PLAY THE GAME THAT YOU HAVE DEEP DOWN INSIDE,LD WHERE IS THE OPTIONS WHEN JEFF IS DRIVING LANE?.JEFF YOU HAVE TO SEE THE FLOOR.STUDY NASH,STOCKTON,I WON’T TO SEE MORE OF IVAN.IF AL IS NOT BEING OF ANY USE IN TH PAINT ON DEFENCE,LARRY PUT IVAN IN THE GAME.I PERFER ZAZA AND IVAN.
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
9:12 pm
Coach Mike Brown was fired after going 1 – 4 (0.200) with the Lakers during this 2012 – 2013 regular season. Last season, Coach Mike Brown and the Lakers finished the 2011 -2012 regular season with a record of 41 – 26 (0.621).
Coach Avery Johnson was fired after going 14 – 14 (0.500) with the Nets during this 2012 – 2013 regular season.
Coach Mike D’Antoni is currently 9 – 10 (0.474) with the Lakers during this 2012 – 2013 regular season. How long of a “leash” will the Lakers give Coach (Mike) D’Antoni?
Don’t get me wrong; I was never “crazy about” (or a big fan) of Coach (Mike) Brown or Coach (Avery) Johnson but think about what kind of message is being sent (out to the public) with firing(s)/termination(s) of these two (_____) men. (I’ll let you fill in the blank or you can leave the blank, blank.)
BTW, (Mavs’ coach) Rick Carlisle is currently 12 – 16 (0.426)? Is he (Coach Carlisle) on the “hot seat”?
Message to LD and Woody:
Don’t get too “comfy” because the “tide can change” on you in a “New York minute” – pun intended for Woody (and I guess Avery Johnson, too).
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
9:13 pm
Melvin
I agree wholeheartedly *’`except`’* Blake Griffin is:
*Dirtier
*Cheap Shotier
*More Bush League
-&-
*Whinier
____________________________________________
Then there`s KG *’`the Bully`’*
likes to run his yap,
start stuff,
then pray for protection to arrive.
Zaza called his bluff … then KG cheap-shotted Zaza
near the end of game seven in `08;
so Zaza would not have enough time to retaliate.
____________________________________________
Pseudo Tough Guys
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
9:14 pm
^Correction: “Don’t get me wrong; I was never “crazy about” (or a big fan) of Coach (Mike) Brown or Coach (Avery) Johnson but think about what kind of message is being sent (out to the public) with firing(s)/termination(s) of these two (_____) men?* (I’ll let you fill in the blank or you can leave the blank, blank.)”
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
9:16 pm
Disregard my post @9:14pm, 12/27/2012.
Melvin
December 27th, 2012
9:17 pm
Grandad,
But DWade has cause injuries with his tactics… I hope somebody bust his (you know what) at least one time before he retires. He broke Kobe nose in an All Star Game, comeon….
ATMAN
December 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
Yes, get Jenkins some mins, pure shooter. LD just hammers his starters with tons of mins, bench guys wouldn’t be much of a drop off if any. I know JJ logged some crazy mins over last season, guess we were tryin’ to get our $$$ worth, lol!
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
9:26 pm
Grandad why the hell would CP3 even think about coming here? I don’t see JT or LW being similar like players at all,I see JT as a much better PG & our team seems to play a lot better with him as the PG. I see that you are tip towing around the LD situation.
keith
December 27th, 2012
9:31 pm
” CP3 or any other Player will come for Big Money, BIG DUMMIES”
Musty and his gang of idiots are at it again. Money Talks and BS Walks!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
December 27th, 2012
9:32 pm
Now that was a very expensive kick in his family jewels by Mr Wade..
He was suspended without pay for one game? How much does he make a night 150k?
Duh
December 27th, 2012
9:34 pm
Rod,
So because Jamal scores the most points in the 4th quater you’d rather have the ball in his hands over Kobe? Durant? LeBron? That’s a nice sentiment but it didn’t mean a damn thing when Jamal couldn’t score against the bulls in the playoffs. Come back to me when Jamal improves his resume. Give me Mr. Big Shot thanks.
As far as your sources are concerned, “pretty much” isn’t good enough.
Duluth Joe
December 27th, 2012
9:36 pm
CP3 is not coming to Atlanta. Too much of a sure thing in Clippers with almost a complete team. Why would he leave that and the LA market and its visibility for uncertainty of Hawks? How many times are Clippers on TV this year? How many times are Hawks on TV this year?
I like Teague, I think he has room for growth. He won’t be K. Irving or Rondo, but his vision will improve with time. I want him to throw better lobs to Al and Josh in near term.
Larry Drew is on a one year contract. What incentive does he have to develop Jenkins if he is not here past end of the year? If you want to see rookies develop, then Danny Ferry needs to either extend Drew or hire a coach with a 3-4 years contract. Larry Drew has been kept on a short leash ever since here(Blame Rick Sund and ASG). No way he can develop Teague and Jenkins and others, if he has no certainty for his own future next year.
Duluth Joe
December 27th, 2012
9:38 pm
TV=National TV in above comment
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
9:39 pm
^Correction: “…with [the] firing(s)/termination(s) of these two (_____) men.”
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
9:43 pm
The more I watch “Westbrick” play, the more I can’t stand him (”Westbrick”). (smh)
keith
December 27th, 2012
9:44 pm
” WHY DID JAMES HARDEN LEAVE OKLAHOMA CITY???”
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS, MONEY TALKS AND BS WALKS!!!!!
Honesty
December 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
Watched the game on DVR and I have a different take on it. LD sees Teague as a crutch. Teague is his coach in the floor. In that final overtime whever Lou would get the ball on a defensive rebound he would direct him to give the ball to Teague (LD seemed more relaxed after the ball was in Teague’s hands). He even let Teague call his own plays; At one point, Teague pointed at Lou basically saying “we’re running this play for you” and Lou hits a dagger jumper.
I agree with LD, Teague has a high ceiling. As a PG he has to defer a lot but anyone who saw Teague play in HS or college can tell you that naturally he is an offensive pitbull when it comes to attacking the rim. He will figure out the proper balance eventually.
Honesty
December 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
Watched the game on DVR and I have a different take on it. LD sees Teague as a crutch. Teague is his coach in the floor. In that final overtime whever Lou would get the ball on a defensive rebound he would direct him to give the ball to Teague (LD seemed more relaxed after the ball was in Teague’s hands). He even let Teague call his own plays; At one point, Teague pointed at Lou basically saying “we’re running this play for you” and Lou hits a dagger jumper.
I agree with LD, Teague has a high ceiling. As a PG he has to defer a lot but anyone who saw Teague play in HS or college can tell you that naturally he is an offensive pitbull when it comes to attacking the rim. He will figure out the proper balance eventually.
keith
December 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
Russell Westbrook is an NBA Superstar!!! IF Russell Westbrook came to the Hawks, he would immediately be the BEST player on the team, PERIOD!!!
Just Joe
December 27th, 2012
10:03 pm
I want Teague to put up Tony Parker stats. 18 PPG on 50% shooting. 4-5 trips to the line per game. Parker was doing it when he was 23-24.
Teague has the potential to put up those numbers in my opinion, plus be an above avg defender.
Honesty
December 27th, 2012
10:11 pm
Honestly,
Jeff Will violate all of these other average, over-hyped point guards that y’all have been mentioning. I think that’ the most important lesson of the day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWbZj4F8tds
Honesty
December 27th, 2012
10:15 pm
Just Joe,
I agree with you there. You could even take guys like Kidd and Chauncey into consideration. These guys didn’t lead their teams to the finals until they were 26-28 years old. Teague will get there.
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
10:18 pm
Keith The reason harden left is because the thunder didn’t want to pay him(sort of like JC) which will not be the case withCP3 ,dope
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
10:23 pm
He (JT) might get there if LD stops FKing around with him.
Please Answer This
December 27th, 2012
10:24 pm
Our two top players consist of a complete air-head, who makes basketball decisions worse than an 8 Y/O and a complete Wissie, whose daddy has taught him to avoid contact so he can “stay in the league”.
And yet our coach chooses to publicly call-out and embarrass Jeff teague !
Does anyone here think this might be an indication of what goes on behind closed doors as well ?
This is unforgivable. If I were the GM, LD would be fired for this article being printed. I’ve supported Atlanta sports for over 40 years and I’ve never seen anything more cowardly and repulsive than this.
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
10:26 pm
Hi-Sider:
As I looked over the complete list of coaches in the NBA;
I surmised 9 coaches are on some sort of hot seat,
some warmer than others.
Of the Nine there were five white guys and four black guys;
if that is of some concern to you.
The list below omits coaches who have vitually no chance of being fired
or Brooklyn who is in a state of flux
Also I included LD, wdsn, D`Antoni, plus Carlisle
to whom you had referenced.
____________________________________________
Larry Drew – we all have a shared opinion
Mike Dunlap – rookie coach with a shorter leash than most [Mike]
Byron Scott – on the hot seat
Rick Carlisle – NBA Champs one yr removed / Dirk inj
Lawrence Frank – on his way out !
Kevin McHale – family tragedy will buy time plus their winning
Frank Vogel – they didn`t really like him when they hired him
Vinny Del Negro – Gone if they are not in the Finals
Mike D’Antoni – will finish the season / Kobe & Nash will decide his fate
Scott Skiles – hot seat
Rick Adelman – If they don`t want him we`ll take `im
Monty Williams – hasn`t had enuff time
Mike Woodson – solid for now
Jacque Vaughn – see Monty Williams
Doug Collins – *Bynum`s inj; not his fault
Alvin Gentry – ten u o u s at best
Terry Stotts – will be gone sooner than later
Keith Smart – the next to go; not his fault Cousins is Nuts
Dwane Casey – in a race with keith Smart
Tyrone Corbin – the most difficult to gauge
Randy Wittman – will be gone soon
____________________________________________
Yes, AveryJohnson was fired abruptly
and most probably unfairly.
`tis a business as they say.
And, I`ll be durned, he was fired by a Russian !
Slimjr
December 27th, 2012
10:35 pm
Are you guys watch this OKC/Dallas game? OKC was down most of the game by double digits.
Now if the 4th qtr, they have made their run. BTW they have a closer in [Durant] who is taking over ,hitting a variety of shots, and just taking the lead 96-95 with 2:06 left…
Wish we HAD A CLOSER…
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
10:35 pm
Rusty
I ain`t never tip-toed `round anything in my life.
What are you talking about ?
Slimjr
December 27th, 2012
10:36 pm
[in]
Slimjr
December 27th, 2012
10:39 pm
[watching]
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
10:39 pm
Duluth Joe
If CPaul were to come to Atlanta;
I imagine we would become the TV darling
and the Clips would revert to their rightful place of being the Clips.
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
10:39 pm
The reason LD picks on JT is because he probably doesn’t like.him.JT has made him look bad because of the MB situation & then forcing the hawks to give up 2 first rounders for a washed up KH.He also thinks he can getaway with picking on JT as he thinks JT has a lot of faults which seem to be also apparent to some fans as he assumes they have swallowed his bullcrap.
Rusty
December 27th, 2012
10:42 pm
Grandad by tip towing around I just mean you are talking out of both sides of your mouth.
tyger
December 27th, 2012
10:46 pm
Lets play a game: Name Top 10 PG:
1. Rajon Rondo
2. Chris Paul
3. Derrick Rose
4. Russell Westbrook
5. Deron Williams
6. Jason Kidd
7. Tony Parker
8. Kyrie Irving
9. Ty Lawson
10. Brandon Jennings
11. Mario Chalmers
12. Jrue Holiday
13. Raymond Felton
14. Steve Nash
15. Mike Conley
16. Kyle Lowry
17. Stephen Curry
18. Darren Collison
19. Jose Calderon
20. Damian Lillard
21. Brandon Knight
22. Mo Williams
23. Jameer Nelson
24. Eric Bledsoe
25. Grevis Vaszquez
26. Jeremy Lin
27. Kemba Walker
28. George Hill
29. Jarrett Jack
30. Jeff Teague
note: compare asst/turnover ratios
Grandad
December 27th, 2012
10:46 pm
Rusty
I have to leave for a bit.
please post something specific.
When I get back, I will respond.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
SteveW
December 27th, 2012
10:56 pm
JJ – Parker also only averaged 5.5 assists per game at age 24, 1.1 steals compared to Jeff’s 1.6, and Jeff has a better assist/turnover ratio, which tyger seems to think indicates a better PG.
Compare the stats. Teague is as good or better than Felton, Conley, and Lin. He’s in their class
SteveW
December 27th, 2012
10:57 pm
Throw Ty Lawson in that mix also. Jeff’s PER is about 2 points higher
Slimjr
December 27th, 2012
11:02 pm
LAC up 21 to 6 on the Men in Green!
Going for 15 in a row at home? Nice..
Honesty
December 27th, 2012
11:10 pm
Guys….lets not make this complicated. This is all you need to know about Jeff Teague:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcP3TE34ZnA
I rest my case, any more responses will be met with a Jeff Teague facial
High-sider
December 27th, 2012
11:25 pm
@Grandad
“Yes, AveryJohnson was fired abruptly
and most probably unfairly.
`tis a business as they say.
And, I`ll be durned, he was fired by a Russian !” – Grandad @10:26pm, 12/27/2012
That was impressive list, however, I believe Avery Johnson was fired by the Nets’ GM, Billy King (who’s ironically a black man).